Lager extended fermentation while on vacation

[DeanRIowa]

I am making a Helles with Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager, and I was planning leaving it fermenting for three weeks at 50-55 while on vacation, then raise it to 60 for a diacetyl rest, then continue lagering as normal.

Is the three weeks in the primary going to be an issue?

thanks,
Dean

 

[yourlastchance89]

No. I routinely leave my lagers in the primary for 4 weeks before trub dumping from my conical and going into the lagering phase.

 

[DeanRIowa]

No. I routinely leave my lagers in the primary for 4 weeks before trub dumping from my conical and going into the lagering phase.

Great, and thank you for your quick response.

Dean

 

[couchsending]

Pitch more yeast and just leave it at 50.. no diacetyl rest needed

 

[DeanRIowa]

Pitch more yeast and just leave it at 50.. no diacetyl rest needed

Why would more yeast at extended time reduce the diacetyl rest need?

Can I just always extend fermentation and not need diacetyl rest?

Dean

 

[couchsending]

You don’t even need to extend fermentation. If you pitch enough healthy yeast and ferment it low you won’t get any diacetyl. There are a few variables at play such as OG, yeast variety, O2, etc but a healthy lager ferment doesn’t take that long really.. 5-10 days

 

[couchsending]

Also most lager yeast has the ability to consume diacetyl up to 37* I believe... you just need to keep it working while cooling to that temp. Precise control of temps helps quite a bit.